Magnolia Elementary School

Westerman

Music Inspired By

When Stars are Scattered

By Omar Mohamed

Illustrated by Victoria Jamieson

Written by Magnolia Elementary School Students

STYLE Session
January – March

Finished Song

Lyrics

Chorus

Holding on for better days

Stepping out embracing the greys

Brotherhood and Friendships still made

When I am brave

—

Verse

Tents made of paper and one blanket bed

We can stick together no matter what’s said

I have been waiting my whole life

To see my future turn bright

Soccer ball of plastic that never last

Blinded by the dust, it’s hard to move past

I’m gonna burst out

If I can’t be the first out….

—

Chorus

Holding on for better days

Stepping out embracing the greys

Brotherhood and Friendships still made

When I am brave

Magnolia Song Medley

Choreography inspired by the book!

Meet Franchesska Berry

Where does the dance come from?

The style of dance is from Senegal, West Africa. It is Senegalese dance’. I Choreograph this piece for my dance ensemble “Som La Bi Joli” (means “The Sweeter than Sweet) “Som La Bi Joli,” my ensemble and I were fortunate to perform this meaningful piece for Oliver here in Seattle, WA. Zirwere can be created to evoke the spirit of togetherness and happiness. It was choreographed for the dancers and audience to experience a community feeling—a common thread in the celebration of life.

Dance Practice

Franchesska introduces Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi

Oliver Mtukudzi was a Zimbabwean musician, philanthropist, human rights activist & UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for Southern Africa Region. Oliver is considered Zimbabwe’s most renowned cultural icon.

Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi

Oliver Mtukudzi, also known as ‘Tuku’, was born on 22 September, 1952 in Highfield, Zimbabwe. He was the first born in a family of seven siblings. Mtukudzi was from a musical family, as both his parents were singers. This meant he grew up in a musical environment where he started to develop the love of music. He had to grow up at an early age because of the passing of his father.

Mtsuudzi released over sixty records during his career starting in 1975 and was widely known for his contribution to the history of Zimbabwean music.

On 23 January 2019, Oliver Mtukudzi died of an undisclosed illness at Avenues clinic in Harare, Zimbambwe. He left behind his family, children and the loved ones.

"Tuku"

STYLE song by Meagan Krantz

Finished Song

Coming April 17th!

Mini Video Lessons

About the Book

Refugee Strong

Victoria Jamieson

When Stars are Scattered

By Omar Mohamed

Illustrated by Victoria Jamieson

Heartbreak and hope exist together in this remarkable graphic novel about growing up in a refugee camp, as told by a Somali refugee to the Newbery Honor-winning creator of Roller Girl.

Omar and his younger brother, Hassan, have spent most of their lives in Dadaab, a refugee camp in Kenya. Life is hard there: never enough food, achingly dull, and without access to the medical care Omar knows his nonverbal brother needs. So when Omar has the opportunity to go to school, he knows it might be a chance to change their future . . . but it would also mean leaving his brother, the only family member he has left, every day.

Heartbreak, hope, and gentle humor exist together in this graphic novel about a childhood spent waiting, and a young man who is able to create a sense of family and home in the most difficult of settings. It’s an intimate, important, unforgettable look at the day-to-day life of a refugee, as told to New York Times Bestselling author/artist Victoria Jamieson by Omar Mohamed, the Somali man who lived the story.

When Stars are Scattered